April 13, 2023

As part of efforts to ensure that the best interest of children is accorded priority, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has organised a Stakeholders’ Meeting for all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies on children-related issues.

In her opening remarks at the inaugural meeting held on Wednesday at Correctional Centre for Junior Boys, Yaba, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu said, “Our children are the future of Lagos State, and their well-being should be of utmost importance to us. However, recent social issues have highlighted the significant challenges that our children face”.

According to her, many children in the State are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, with child trafficking, child labour and child abuse being major concerns. She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic made the situation worse, with many children being out of school and deprived of basic needs such as food and healthcare.

Oke-Osanyintolu, represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Morenike Dada, listed mental health crisis, the adverse impact of technology and social media on children, growing issues of poverty, inequality and violence against children as some of the critical issues that require urgent attention and collaboration among stakeholders to tackle.

The Permanent Secretary averred that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will not rest on its oars until every child in the State is given access to all the resources and opportunities necessary for them to realise their full potential.

On his part, the President Association of Orphanages and Homes Operations in Nigeria (ASOHON), Dr. Gabriel Oyediji commended the Lagos State government for its efforts towards ensuring that a conducive environment is created for children to realise their potential irrespective of their religion, tribe or status.

Dr. Oyediji urged the state government to always get the buy-in of the private sector in initiating policies and programmes geared towards giving the children a favourable environment to succeed.

Director of Child Development in the Ministry, Mrs. Bukayo Odukoya stated that one of the reasons for the programme was to see to the proper implementation of the Child Right Law for the overall benefit of children in Lagos State.